Speaking to ITV News, Ms Cooper said: "I do hope that she takes the opportunity very quickly to deal with the issue that she hasn't yet after the referendum, which is the fate of EU citizens who've been settled here, often for a very many years, and who still don't know whether they going to be able to stay.

"It would stop the extremists exploiting the issue, it would be a way of starting to bring people together."

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Theresa May and David Cameron have both exchanged tributes at a traditionally rowdy final cabinet meeting before she replaces him as Prime Minister.

The gathered Conservative ministers delivered four founds of table banging before Mr Cameron began his 215th meeting, at which the government's life chances policy and aim for Trident renewal were discussed.

David Cameron left Downing Street by the back door after his final cabinet meeting as Prime Minister. Credit: PA

Mr Cameron recounted what he believed were his cabinet's achievements since 2010 as coalition leader and upon assuming full power in 2015 and reiterated his friendship and support for Mrs May.

She responded by describing the "warmth and respect" the outgoing PM had shown to his colleagues and praised him for "always" putting the country "first" during the challenges of his administration.